2001 Smart ForTwo vs. 2010 Volkswagen Golf
To start off, 2010 Volkswagen Golf is newer by 9 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2001 Smart ForTwo. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2001 Smart ForTwo would be higher. At 1,600 cc (4 cylinders), 2010 Volkswagen Golf is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2010 Volkswagen Golf (89 HP @ 4200 RPM) has 49 more horse power than 2001 Smart ForTwo. (40 HP @ 4200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2010 Volkswagen Golf should accelerate faster than 2001 Smart ForTwo. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2010 Volkswagen Golf weights approximately 499 kg more than 2001 Smart ForTwo. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2001 Smart ForTwo is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 2001 Smart ForTwo. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2010 Volkswagen Golf, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. With that said, do keep in mind that many other factors such as speed and the wear on your tires can also have significant impact on traction and control. Let's talk about torque, 2010 Volkswagen Golf (230 Nm @ 1500 RPM) has 130 more torque (in Nm) than 2001 Smart ForTwo. (100 Nm @ 1800 RPM). This means 2010 Volkswagen Golf will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2001 Smart ForTwo.
Compare all specifications:
| 2001 Smart ForTwo | 2010 Volkswagen Golf | |
| Make | Smart | Volkswagen |
| Model | ForTwo | Golf |
| Year Released | 2001 | 2010 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 798 cc | 1600 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 3 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 40 HP | 89 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4200 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Torque | 100 Nm | 230 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1800 RPM | 1500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 6-speed manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 815 kg | 1314 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 2510 mm | 4199 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1540 mm | 1786 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1560 mm | 1480 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 1820 mm | 2578 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 3.4 L/100km | 4.5 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 22 L | 55 L |
